Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist job description

A payroll specialist is responsible for processing employee compensation accurately and on time while helping ensure compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements and company policies. These professionals manage payroll data, maintain payroll systems and support accurate record-keeping across the employee lifecycle. As organizations navigate changing workforce models, multistate payroll complexities and increasing demands for payroll accuracy, payroll specialists play a vital role in supporting both business operations and the employee experience.

Payroll specialists work closely with human resources, finance, benefits and operations teams to help ensure employees are paid correctly and payroll processes run efficiently. They support payroll reporting, resolve discrepancies and contribute to process improvements that enhance accuracy, compliance and operational effectiveness.

Typical payroll specialist duties:

Process payroll accurately and on schedule, including weekly, biweekly, semimonthly and monthly payroll cycles

Review and validate payroll data, including hours worked, earnings, deductions, bonuses, commissions and employee status changes

Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state and local payroll regulations, tax requirements and company policies

Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries and timekeeping issues while reconciling payroll reports and related financial records

Support payroll tax reporting, year-end processing and audit activities, and identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, automation, reporting accuracy and operational efficiency

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Search payroll specialist openings and apply now or submit your resume to be considered for opportunities that match your experience.

National salary range for Payroll Specialist

45000 - 57500

Low

45000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.

Mid

49000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.

High

57500

The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

Payroll Director

125000

156500

187750

Payroll Manager

79500

95750

112750

Payroll Analyst

55500

63000

81000

Payroll Administrator

53750

62000

78500

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